A proposed ride around Tassie (I have not been since 2019). Leave Sunday 26th October, back Monday 3rd November. Anti-clockwise route; 250 - 300kms per day. Leave night of Sun 26th from Geelong (no day sailings). Then Devonport to Smithton; Smithton to Queenstown; Queenstown to Hobart; day off in Hobart; Hobart to Bicheno; Bicheno to Launceston; Launceston to Devonport (night ferry on Sunday 2nd November). Accommodation in pub, cabin, or motel (details to be confirmed). Total cost expected between $2000 & $2500. Please RSVP via the Placeholder in the Calendar (26 October). Mike Fittall 0456 561 395

The AGM will be held from 18-24 May 2026 in Nambour Qld. The following is a post from Greg Gleason, regarding planning for a ride there and back. "Les Cox and I were thinking of doing the Nambour Ulysses AGM and the question came up – how many of the best bits of iconic roads can you fit into a ride like that?  It turns out – quite a few!!  I am sitting on a few GPX files which I put together just as a test process – by no means a final outcome!!  What came out was surprising: • Putty Road (both ways) • Waterfall Way (both ways) • Bylong Valley Way • Abercrombie Gorge • Thunderbolt’s Way • Oxley Hwy (both ways) • Stroud Hill Road (Stroud River Road) • Buckett’s Way (one and a half ways) • Pacific Hwy • Bell’s Line of Road • Whitfield Gap • Granya Gap • Snowy Mtns, and • Mt Panorama lap (again) maybe – or maybe not…… but this time with an actual group photo up on Skyline!!   Please re-read above!!  I genuinely mean the “good/very best bits”!! The point here is that what we do is up for grabs.   It is 1900 km each way using the “quick but boring” way but a “once in a lifetime” motorcycle exploration of these roads only adds about 450km each way…….. It’d be the best 4800 km you’ve ever ridden. If a trip like this interests you, please let me know.    The Armidale ride taught us some great lessons – ideally, a ride of more than 8 people would allow us to have (say) 4 or 5 different ride leaders that led a few days each.  I’m happy to a) lead as many days as necessary, b) be the group scribe - co-ordinate the planning, create agreed GPX route files for everyone’s GPS, c) map out approximate times, search out suitable accom, plan stops, fuel, rest breaks, etc plus d) any other boring admin type stuff.  I’m also happy to be the “official” photographer/videographer.  As with Armidale, I’ll produce USB’s containing pictures and videos as a memento.  But it’d be great if it was a group ride with shared ownership and on road responsibility but happy that different levels of “buy in” are okay.   Please let me know if you are interested.  For logistical reasons, numbers are limited to 12 participants.    After a preliminary look, I now have 5 potential starters for an “every iconic road” visit to the 2026 AGM in Nambour.  We’d leave 15/5/26 for about 13 or 14 days, 3 of which would be at the Nambour AGM.   Feel free to contact me to discuss – happy to outline what is planned."   Greg Gleason 065231 2/28-30 The Crescent HIGHETT 3190 0424956078

The 2025 Odyssey will be held in Wangaratta again, over the weekend of 10-12 October. Read the attached flyer for more information about the event, and RSVP via the Calendar. We are looking forward to ae enjoyable weekend with fellow Ulysseans.

A few pieces of news picked up from todays Coffee & Lunch at Balwyn North. 1. Gary C has succumbed to FJR fever (again !) - he has sold his BMW RS, and bought a newish FJR1300. 2. Vince G has more or less recovered from broken bones in a foot, after a minor mishap when pulling up on a ride early in the year. 3. Jack F is currently touring in Spain, and probably getting cooked in the heat wave conditions. The Editor

(News about members, and general comments. Feel free to forward any news of interest) 1. The last two Sunday rides have been blessed with good weather, so turnout has been 18-20 bikes. Including several new or recent riders which is pleasing to see. Keep an eye on the Calendar for upcoming rides. 2. We are trying something different for this Sundays ride - by deliberately including some unsealed road sections for those who like to get dirty ! 3. This months Social Night also saw a good number of people (~ 20 ?) enjoy the night. This also included several new faces, so we hope to see them again. 4. 'International Members': Steve Bailes has been enjoying a tour with Adriatic MotoTours in the central/eastern Europe area (apparently the beer was good !). Also been spotted in old haunts in the UK, and must be due home soon. Pat R, Colin V, Alf D are off on an (annual it seems like) tour in July, to Norway and about. Looking forward to preserved Lutefisk and brown sheep cheese no doubt. 5. 'Local Members': Andrew K is recovering well from a badly broken elbow. He is rumoured to have been seen riding his 660 Yamaha locally. Reece likes the Nikens so much he has added a newer model to the garage, but has been told the 800 BMW has to go ! The Editor

(This article is in response to some questions asked prior to the Road Safety Forum held in Armidale during the 2025 National Rally) Motorcycling is a pastime that many of us take up for a whole host of reasons. Riding can be done in a solo environment or riding with a group. Group riding does place us in potentially dangerous situations where we must not only consider our own safety but be aware that poor decisions on our part may place others at risk. Let us deal with some facts surrounding motorcycling. We are more than 30 times more likely to be fatally injured in a crash than if we had the same crash in a car. We are 41 times more likely to be seriously injured in a crash than if we had the same crash in a car. So, what advantages do we have? SPACE - a motorcycle takes up far less lateral space than any other vehicle short of a bicycle. We also need to be conscious of space behind us and of course in front. Contrary to popular belief a car will easily out brake a motorcycle and can corner faster as well. So, novice motorcyclists and advanced riders utilise positioning on the road to not only create space from a hazard but provide increased vision, so that they are in a position to manage risk earlier than others. For those that have not had the benefit of recent training. We talk about 3 lateral positions in our lane. Left position is the same space used by a car’s passenger side wheels, the Middle position is the centre of our lane and the Right position is the same position as the driver’s side wheels of a car on the same piece of road. Watch the attached video and you will see how easily a motorcycle is hidden on the road. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_kpL4f4MXI So proper positioning on the road makes us more easily seen as well as giving us a better view of what is going on around us. So, there are basically two forms of group riding. A group can ride in staggered formation or single file. Those that favour staggered formation often quote that it is safer! Allegedly riders get a better view forward. They ride closer together although not in line. Lead rider near the right position of the lane, second rider near the left position of the lane and it continues on. The vast majority of staggered ride formations I have seen put the rider 2 one second behind rider 1 which means rider 3 is actually two seconds back from rider 1. FAR TOO CLOSE!! Single file on the other hand allows each rider to position him/herself for best vision, to see and be seen. However, SAFETY must always be the priority, so he/she can create a buffer from hazards. For example, rider 1 observes a car coming towards them, as it approaches, they buffer it and move from the right position to the left position to create as much space as possible from the hazard (car). After the car passes each rider they move back to the right position. Why the right position? It gives the rider a great view along the road and behind. It makes the motorcycle easier to be seen by vehicles on side streets. However, we do not want to stay there if there are vehicles approaching. We need to use our advantage, move away from things that are potentially dangerous. Riding in single file with a three second gap to the rider in front provides substantial view to the front, remember a motorcycle takes little space on the road. Allows the rider to position on the road, in either the right, centre or left positions, so they can enter a corner wide and finish tight, negotiate a crest safely etc etc. It gives a better view, allows them to manage risk earlier. Riding in staggered formation puts the riders near the centre line at risk in some circumstances and the riders near the kerb much harder to be seen or for that matter for the rider to see that car waiting on the side road, the child running onto the road etc. The only time it is probably acceptable to form a group into staggered formation is approaching and stopping at traffic lights to enable the whole group to get through a change of traffic lights. Remember when riding we need to manage risk. Staying in one position on the road and restricting our view is not managing risk. If some of these concepts seem strange or even alien to you, maybe it is time to consider some advanced training. Remember safe riding doesn’t happen by accident! Terry McCarthy #40625,  Ulysses Road Safety Committee – Tasmania Representative.

There is always a need for more people putting a hand up to lead a ride. It is not hard, and any of the committee are happy to help with the planning of a ride. So give it a go.

The Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee compiled a list of tips which you may find useful (e.g. when planning your ride to the 2025 National Rally in Armidale) - or for any long ride. • Stay Hydrated  - pack a bottle of water and have a drink at every stop – preferably water rather than sugary drinks. • Check your tyres before you leave, and each morning at least. • Take a puncture repair kit and you can never have too many cable ties! • Make sure you carry a spare key!! • Always carry a roll of 50mm 'gaffer' tape - often handy when things start falling off or rattling loose (this applies equally to the bike and the rider!) • Take chain-lube and use it • Eat light, better to stay hungry than to lose focus -beware the after lunch nods. • Weigh your loaded saddlebags before the trip and try to keep even load distribution, you don't want to be accused of being unbalanced. • Don't trust Google Maps for riding time, add extra time for breaks and refuelling  • Plan to stop every 90 mins, when covering big distances in two hours is too long without a stop ...... (Andrew K) • Stop before you are thirsty, stiff, sore or tired • Have a group first aid kit and a PLB if riding a remote route • Look after each other, if you see other riders' concentration drop, signal for the group that you need a break • Check https://www.livetraffic.com/ for road works and major traffic delays • All riders should download the Emergency Plus app • Ride your own ride. When the rider in front overtakes, don’t blindly follow. Be satisfied that you can safely pass before moving out. • Ear plugs. If you’re not wearing them already, you should be! • Stop for the coffee. Stop for the photo. Don’t let the world pass you by entirely.  (Source: UCRSC, Jan 2025)

See the Calendar for route and accommodation details. (ride back details to be confirmed).

Annual 3-day ride, leaving from Epping, staying 2 nights in Corryong. See Calendar for details.

The 2025 National Rally Registration portal is now available on the Ulysses website.  There is a National Rally 'tag' on the homepage. Alternately, here is a direct link below: https://ulysses.org.au/UC/2025%20National%20Rally%20Armidale.aspx?WebsiteKey=a0ea2f6c-1c4f-4df1-b9de-b29058eb8e3f The Online Registration is at the bottom of the page. Keep a watch on the Calendar, several people are expected to ride up, so there will probably be a variety of routes to choose from.

I have received the following request via our website, for members to consider: "Hello. I have a lovely client who has a keen interest in motorcycles, this interest grew from Ulysses engagement with him and other children at Royal Children's Hospital. Charlie has survived brain cancer and is now 40, he would like to explore engagement related to his motorcycle hobbie. I'm writing to ask if there is any members who have the capacity/experience to offer some (paid) hours as a support worker to share and enjoy Charlie's interest in motorcycles and some community engagement related to this hobbie. Charlie's idea for me to reach out to you to ask. Look forward to hearing back from you. Warm regards Michelle S" If interested, contact : michelles@humanapproach.com.au

An Op Shop in Chapel St, Windsor has received "lots of motorcycle stuff" which is available "to be given away for a donation". Contact Kate on 0488 999 811 if interested.

For anyone looking at hiring a motorcycle in eastern France/the Alps area, I can recommend this company - 'The French Ride'. They are based in Aix les Bains, about halfway between Geneva and Grenoble. They hire out a range of modern bikes, I guess 20-30 to choose from, and also hire most riding gear. I enjoyed a 3 day hire from them in September 2023, and was impressed with the professional and efficiently run business.   https://thefrenchride.com “

We have a very special tour lined up in September for our Himalayan/India MotoGP tour. We have three time world champion Troy Bayliss joining us on that tour. Come along with us and spend a couple of weeks on a bucket list motorcycle tour riding along with motorcycle racing royalty, and attend the India MotoGP race as well! For details : Scott, 0405 197 182 https://www.zenithmotorcycletours.com/

11-13 October 2024 in Wangaratta. More information given in this flyer.